Biology II
Review Outline

Nucleic acids
  • Describe and draw a simple labelled diagram of a DNA nucleotide.
  • Draw and label a simple labelled diagram of a short section of a DNA molecule.
  • List the three types of RNA [mRNA, tRNA and rRNA]
  • Compare and contrast the structure and function of DNA and RNA, including number of polynucleotide chains, sugar type and bases used and overall size.
  • Compare the structure and function of the three types of RNA.
  • Draw and/or interpret simple labelled diagrams of DNA and RNA molecules.

DNA replication
  • Describe how DNA replication takes place, including the role of DNA helicase, DNA polymerase and free DNA nucleotides and complementary base pairing.
  • Make and/or interpret simple labelled diagrams to explain DNA replication
  • Define what is meant by semi-conservative replication
  • State that the outcome of DNA replication is two identical daughter DNA molecules
  • Explain the importance of proof reading in DNA replication as a means to preserve the genetic information in the DNA molecule.

Protein synthesis
  • Define the terms codon, triplet, start codon, stop codon, transcription, translation and polypeptide.
  • State the use of the enzyme RNA polymerase in transcription
  • State the locations, within the cell, of the processes of transcription and translation
  • Describe how the information in the template DNA strand codes for a specific polypeptide
  • Use a translation table to show how information on mRNA can select a specific order of amino acids to make a polypeptide molecule.

Gene mutations
  • Define, and give examples of , the term gene [point] mutation. This should include deletion, addition and substitution.
  • Predict the effects of gene mutation on protein synthesis.
  • *Outline the cause and effect[s] of the gene mutation that causes sickle cell anaemia in humans.
  • Outline the cause, effect and treatment of one other genetic disease.

Human genome project
  • State two goals of the human genome project.
  • Summarise two important findings of the HGP
  • Outline two possible uses of the knowledge gained from the HGP
  • Outline two reasons why there is some ethical concern over the use of this knowledge.
  • Describe technologies used in biotechnology, such as: DNA profiling and electrophoresis, the use of restriction enzymes, and the process of genetic modification

Meiosis
  • Outline the role of meiosis in the production of haploid [n] gametes from diploid [2n] parent cells.
  • State the number of daughter cells made as a result of meiosis
  • Compare the total chromosome number in the parent and in the daughter cells
  • Draw and label and/or interpret simple diagrams of the stages of meiosis.
  • Explain the need for haploid gametes in sexual reproduction
  • Compare the processes of meiosis and mitosis. This should include the number of daughter cells, number of nuclear divisions, final chromosome number in daughter cells and genetic make-up of daughter cells
  • Define non-disjunction during meiosis
  • Explain how non disjunction can lead to an individual with Down syndrome.
  • Define chromosome mutation.
  • Outline the criteria used to sort chromosomes to make a human karyotype diagram
  • State the information that can be gained from a karyotype diagram
  • List two practical uses of the information in a karyotpe.
  • Construct and/or interpret a simple human karyotype

Mendelian genetics [monohybrid only]
  • Define the following terms: allele, gene, dominant allele, recessive allele, genotype, phenotype, P1 generation, F1 generation, F2 generation, homozygous and heterozygous, pure breeding, multiple alleles, codominant alleles, test cross, sex linkage.
  • Select and/or recognise suitable allele symbols for a monohybrid cross, based on the characteristics of the alleles.
  • Construct and analyse Punnet squares to illustrate probable outcomes of monohybrid crosses. These include simple dominant/recessive alleles, multiple alleles [blood groups], codominance and sex linked alleles.
  • Calculate genotype and phenotype ratios from such monohybrid crosses.
  • Explain the use of a test cross to find the genotype of an individual with a dominant phentotype
  • Construct and/or use simple pedigree diagrams illustrating human inheritance for a single trail.
  • Deduce the nature of the alleles and/or predict the possible genotype[s] of individuals within a pedigree diagram

Evolution
  • Define the terms: evolution, genetic variation, population, natural selection, survival of the fittest
  • Outline how natural selection of the peppered moth caused the relative numbers of each colour morph [white or speckled] to change over time.
  • Explain what ‘survival of the fittest’ means using a specific example
  • Give an example of how a specific selection pressure may change over time and predict the consequences for the population.
  • Outline evidence for evolution; including fossil evidence, and evidence from living organisms, such as: biochemical evidence and homologous structures
  • List the characteristics of primates.
  • Outline variation amongst the hominids.
  • Distinguish between hominids and other primates.
  • Use data to interpret geological time scale.
  • Use dating methods to interpret geological timescale.
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